NEWS

Now Hiring: Family Education Specialist

Email Resume Overall Responsibility: Under the supervision of the Director of Education, the Family Education Specialist is responsible for providing information, support, and guidance to families with a child or youth with disabilities. This role encompasses helping families comprehend and traverse a variety of care systems such as educational, healthcare, and training opportunities. Major Tasks and Responsibilities: Provide one-on-one support and problem solving telephonically, virtually, or in person addressing issues related to navigating educational and community services for their child. Staff the organization’s phone line during business hours to provide intake and peer support for families. Conduct comprehensive intake and assessment of family’s primary concern. Provide culturally appropriate information and resources for families. Provide information and training to assist parents in understanding their rights and responsibilities in special education and developing self-advocacy skills. Will attend school meetings if needed and approved by Director. Assist in the development of training materials

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Public Notice of 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Waiver Amendments and Community Supports Waiver Renewal

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) intends to file waiver amendments with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for multiple 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers administered through its Office of Waiver and Facility Services. These amendments will establish authority for the use of enhanced funding from Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additionally, these amendments will address cost limits and services to account for impacts associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency and will make permanent the rate increases implemented under the recently approved Appendix K.

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STATE LEADERS UNVEIL EARLY CHILDHOOD PLAN, LAUNCH NEW PORTAL FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

First5SC.org connects families with 60 programs and services for children from birth through age five. COLUMBIA, S.C. – Agency directors, legislators, and other leaders today joined Gov. Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette at a State House press conference to unveil a comprehensive plan for strengthening South Carolina’s early childhood system and announced First Five SC, a new interactive website for families with young children. “Our goal is, and always has been, to make sure all of our children enter kindergarten ready to learn, and I’m grateful for the South Carolinians who came together to develop this plan that will help us realize that goal,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Part of that is understanding that parents are busy and that they don’t always have the time to search dozens of websites, hoping to find the appropriate services for their child. Now, we’ve addressed that by establishing an online portal

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Family Connection of South Carolina’s Buddy Walk Receives $2,500 from Modern Woodmen

(Columbia, SC, November 10, 2021)—Family Connection of South Carolina received a $2,500 donation from Modern Woodmen of America chapter 12214 in support of Buddy Walk 2021. Buddy Walk is an annual community event held in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month each October. The event supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Funds raised through the Columbia Buddy Walk also help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. “We are grateful for the support of Modern Woodmen for this year’s Buddy Walk” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “Their donation helps Family Connection continue to promote inclusion,

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Buddy Walk Team Captain Information

Buddy Walk 2021! Family Connection of South Carolina is honored to host our 2021 Buddy Walk October as part of our Down syndrome awareness month activities this October! This year’s celebration will be a multi-day virtual event starting on Sunday, October 24th at 2:00 p.m. on our Facebook page.  Start fundraising online now and join us on October 24th! When you start and lead a Buddy Walk team you are helping families who have a child with Down syndrome connect with resources they need to help their children thrive! You are also helping all families served by Family Connection of South Carolina. Since 1990, Family Connection has served more than 100,000 families by providing peer-to-peer support, assistance with navigating the complex health care system, and guidance with school meetings and special education plans. When you join Buddy Walk, you are: Helping promote inclusion, equity, and community–part of Family Connection’s core

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Disability Information and Access Line

Help with COVID-19 vaccinations for people with disabilities Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) – or – email [email protected] The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is now available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated.  The DIAL’s trained staff is standing by to: Help find local vaccination locations Assist with making vaccination appointments Connect callers to local services – such as accessible transportation – to overcome barriers to vaccination. The hotline also can provide information and resources to answer questions and address concerns about the vaccines and can connect callers to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.

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KINNEY FAMILY OF COLUMBIA TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

(COLUMBIA, SC, September 9, 2021) – Early on, Charles and Elizabeth Kinney noticed their daughter Ellington was missing developmental milestones. Eventually Ellington was diagnosed with a very rare genetic neurological condition, KCNQ3. Due to this condition, Ellington has global developmental delays, cortical visual impairment, and autism.  The Kinney family is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s annual LOOK! Photography Exhibit—a collection offering an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to host photo sessions with more than 60 families who have received services from the organization. Annually, Family Connection serves more than 3,000 families across South Carolina. “Our greatest joys in our journey as Ellington’s parents have been watching her growth and success as she works so hard to build the skills we

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LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT VIRTUAL WATCH PARTY PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY!

MEDIA ALERT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           CONTACT: Jacki Garbinsky: 803-995-1413    [email protected]  LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT VIRTUAL WATCH PARTY PREMIERES THIS SUNDAY! WHO: Family Connection of South Carolina—a statewide non-profit organization providing services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. WHAT:  Family Connection of South Carolina’s annual LOOK! Photography Exhibit—a collection offering an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to host photo sessions with more than 60 families who have received services from the organization. Annually, Family Connection serves more than 3,000 families across South Carolina. The intent of LOOK! is to highlight the beauty and unique abilities of the child or young person being photographed. Each photo includes a scannable code bringing viewers to a story page highlighting

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